This new infrared view of the star formation region Messier 8, often called the Lagoon Nebula, was captured by the VISTA telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. This colour picture was created from images taken through J, H and Ks near-infrared filters, and which were acquired as part of a huge survey of the central parts of the Milky Way. The field of view is about 34 by 15 arcminutes.
This new infrared view of the star formation region Messier 8, often called the Lagoon Nebula, was captured by the VISTA telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. This colour picture was created from images taken through J, H and Ks near-infrared filters, and which were acquired as part of a huge survey of the central parts of the Milky Way. The field of view is about 34 by 15 arcminutes.

Our World of Particles with Brian Cox

ESO/VVV, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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About This Episode

How much more physics is out there to be discovered? Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with physicist, professor, and rockstar Brian Cox, to discuss everything from the Higgs boson, life beyond our planet, and the fundamental forces that guide our universe.

We dive into the cutting-edge world of particle physics. Brian explains the incredible discoveries made at CERN, including the Higgs boson, and why smashing protons together at nearly the speed of light unlocks the building blocks of the universe. What mysteries remain in the standard model of physics? Brian unpacks the search for supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and dark matter while highlighting the challenges of exploring particles that only exist fleetingly after high-energy collisions.

The conversation then shifts to the grand cosmic scale. Brian and Neil explore the relationship between particle physics and astrophysics. Could gravity be a particle? What do these nearly massless particles tell us about the universe’s deeper truths? And how might the future of experiments like the Large Hadron Collider reshape our understanding of reality?

To wrap up, Brian shares his passion for public science communication and the philosophical questions that drive his work. Learn about his global live tour, Horizons, which combines stunning visuals, classical music, and a celebration of the universe’s vastness. Discover the excitement behind upcoming missions like the Europa Clipper and how moons like Europa and Io may hold the keys to extraterrestrial life.

With a mix of rock and roll energy, groundbreaking physics, and profound philosophical questions, this episode takes you on a journey through the smallest particles to the largest structures in the cosmos—and everything in between.

Thanks to our Patrons Anthony Sclafani, Alejandro Arriola-Flores, Brian Christensen, Allen Baker, Atlanta Gamer, Nigel Gandy, Gene, Lisa Mettler, Daniel Johansson, Sunny Malhotra, Omar Marcelino, yoyodave, Mo TheRain, William Wilson, ChrissyK, David, Prabakar Venkataraman, PiaThanos22, BlackPiano, Radak Bence, Obaid Mohammadi, the1eagleman1, Scott Openlander, Brandon Micucci, Anastasios Kotoros, Thomas Ha, Phillip Thompson, Bojemo, Kenan Brooks, [email protected], TartarXO, Trinnie Schley, Davidson Zetrenne, and William Kramer for supporting us this week.

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In This Episode

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